Princeton Junction, NJ – March, 2010 – MISTRAS Group, Inc. (NYSE:MG), in collaboration with Florida Power & Light Company, has developed an on-line monitoring system for detection of mid-compressor stator vane cracking in GE 7FA combustion turbines. The Acoustic Combustion Turbine Monitoring System, or ACTMS, is designed to detect crack propagation in compressor stator vanes prior to airfoil failure, thus enabling corrective action to avoid extensive downtime and repair costs.
ACTMS crack detection algorithms continuously monitor for signatures of cracking activity while discriminating against normal turbine operating noise. Multiple sensors, which are mounted externally on the compressor, enable ACTMS to locate and display the position of cracking events for engineers to quickly diagnose the indication and recommend corrective action. ACTMS can be interfaced to plant data networks or the turbine control system for warning and trip functions.